Women’s Basketball Hosts Worcester State in MASCAC Quarterfinal Matchup

WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Westfield State Owls (15-9, 6-4 MASCAC) are set to host the Worcester State Lancers (9-15, 3-7 MASCAC) in the quarterfinal round of the MASCAC Women's Basketball Tournament on  Tuesday, February 25th at 7:00 P.M. from the Woodward Center.

The fourth-seeded Owls have established a formidable 9-2 home record this season. The matchup pits two teams with contrasting styles against each other in what promises to be an intense playoff atmosphere as Westfield State begins its pursuit of a conference championship.

The Owls swept the regular season series from the Lancers, winning both games by double digits with Westfield winning 77-64 at home on January 15 before an 83-61 road win on February 8.

Westfield State enters the postseason boasting one of the conference's most potent offenses, averaging 77.9 points per game. The Owls' attack is spearheaded by senior forward Jordan Grant (Gray, Maine), who ranks second in the MASCAC with 16.8 points per game while shooting a conference-best 50.0% from the field. Grant has been a model of consistency for the Owls, scoring in double figures in 22 of 24 games this season and providing a reliable interior presence with 6.0 rebounds per game. Her efficiency around the basket and ability to draw fouls have made her one of the most difficult matchups in the conference.

Along with Grant, senior guard Olivia Hadla (Westfield, Mass.) contributes 14.3 points per game and leads the team with 1.7 three-pointers per contest. Hadla's ability to score from all three levels and create her own shot has been crucial to the Owls' offensive success this season, particularly in close games.

Completing the trio of senior leaders is guard Maddie Pond (Holyoke, Mass.), who adds another scoring dimension with 11.8 points per game while leading the entire MASCAC with an impressive 3.6 steals per game. Pond's defensive prowess has been a catalyst for Westfield State's transition game, often turning opponent turnovers into easy scoring opportunities. Pond is coming off a season-high 27-point outing against Salem this past Saturday.

The Owls' depth extends beyond their senior stars. Junior Morgan Berthiaume (Webster, Mass.) has been the team's primary facilitator, ranking fifth in the MASCAC with 3.3 assists per game while also contributing 2.9 steals per contest. Junior guard Tavi Williams (Springfield, Mass.) has been a force on the glass, pulling down 5.4 rebounds per game (15th in MASCAC) and providing crucial second-chance opportunities for the Westfield State offense.

Worcester State is led by senior Katie Hurynowicz (Tyngsboro, Mass.), who ranks third in the conference with 15.9 points per game while adding 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals. Hurynowicz has been the Lancers' most consistent performer, logging an average of 32.6 minutes per game and serving as the focal point of their offense. The Owls did a solid job on Hurynowicz in the team's two regular season meetings, holding her to 11.5 points per game.

Sophomore Hannah Lomonaco (Northbridge, MA) has been a versatile contributor for the Lancers, averaging 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds while ranking third in the MASCAC with 4.2 assists per game. Lomonaco's development as a floor general has been evident throughout the season, as she's become increasingly comfortable orchestrating Worcester State's offense. In the frontcourt, sophomore Alana Smith (Chicopee, MA) provides an efficient interior presence, shooting 49.6% from the field and contributing 7.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Smith's finishing ability around the rim makes her a dangerous option in the pick-and-roll game.

The Lancers have struggled with consistency this season, as evidenced by their 9-15 overall record, but have shown flashes of potential in key victories. Worcester State enters the contest with some momentum after a 76-67 victory over second-seeded Framingham State to close out the regular season, which snapped a three-game losing streak.

The statistical comparison between these teams reveals several key areas that could determine the outcome. Westfield State's transition game has been a significant strength throughout the season, with the Owls generating numerous fast-break opportunities through their aggressive defensive pressure. The Owls average 17.1 assists per game, indicating their willingness to share the ball and find the open shooter. This unselfish approach has helped them overcome shooting inefficiencies at times during the season.

One concern for Westfield State has been their three-point shooting, where they've connected at just 24.4% for the season. However, Westfield has had two of their best shooting nights from beyond the arc recently, connecting on 13 and a season-high 15 triples in two of their last three contests.

Worcester State has their own set of challenges, averaging 19.3 turnovers per game compared to their opponents' 15.9. The Lancers score 61.0 points per game while allowing 64.8, illustrating their need for improved defensive performances in the postseason. Their shooting percentages (37.7% from the field, 26.5% from three-point range) suggest they'll need to be more efficient to keep pace with Westfield State's high-powered offense.

Keys to victory for Westfield State include maintaining their fast-paced offensive tempo, limiting their own turnovers, improving three-point shooting efficiency, and controlling the rebounding battle. The Owls will also look to capitalize on their home-court advantage at the Woodward Center. Their ability to force turnovers and convert them into transition points could prove decisive against a Worcester State team that has struggled with ball security.

For Worcester State to pull off the upset, they'll need to protect the basketball, slow the pace to limit Westfield's transition opportunities, and get strong performances from Hurynowicz and Lomonaco. The Lancers will also need to win the rebounding battle and force the Owls into contested perimeter shots rather than allowing easy baskets inside.

The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will move on to face either top-seeded Bridgewater State or second-seeded Framingham State in the semifinals, based on the outcome of the other quarterfinal game between third-seeded Salem State and sixth-seeded Fitchburg State.

Fans are encouraged to pack the Woodward Center and create a true home-court advantage as the Owls begin their quest for a MASCAC championship. Student admission is free with a valid ID, and tickets for the general public will be available at the door.

Follow along at WestfieldStateOwls.com for live scoring and live streams of the games. 

Written by Tom Onorato - Sports Information Intern